Planning a holiday but not sure what to do with your dog? It's one of the most common challenges pet owners face. Your dog can't come with you, and you want to be sure it will be cared for, calm and safe.
Choosing the right form of care is a decision that affects not just your dog's comfort, but also your own peace of mind throughout the trip. Below we go through the options you have, where they differ, and how to match one to your dog's temperament.
Leaving your dog with family or friends
This is seemingly the simplest solution — the dog goes to someone it knows. But in practice it doesn't always work out. Not every friend knows how to react to a dog's stress signals, how to handle sudden health situations, or how to keep up the routine the dog is used to.
Extra complications arise when loved ones have their own children or pets — new company can be a source of unnecessary tension for the dog rather than comfort.
In-home boarding with a caregiver — dog sitting
This is one of the most comfortable and safest forms of care. The dog goes to a trusted caregiver's private home and is looked after around the clock — no cages, no kennels, just a normal home environment. What's crucial, though, is that the caregiver is genuinely verified.
At Alvis, every candidate goes through an interview, training and selection — only 1 in 20 is approved to care for dogs. You receive photos and a description of the day every day — you know exactly what's happening with your pet, even from far away.
It's worth arranging an introductory meeting before you leave — the dog gets to meet the caregiver and their home, and you can judge whether the atmosphere suits it.
Visits to your dog in its own home
The caregiver comes to your home several times a day — feeds the dog, takes it for a walk and spends some time with it. The dog stays in a familiar environment, which is a big advantage for many dogs.
The downside is that the dog spends a lot of time alone — no one is there between visits. This solution only works for shorter trips and for dogs that cope well with being alone and don't tend towards anxious barking or destruction.
The advantage is no change of surroundings — its own bed, its own scent, a familiar place. For dogs very sensitive to changes in environment, this can be a deciding factor.
A dog hotel
A professional dog hotel is an option that seems like the obvious choice to many owners — but it's worth checking the conditions before you decide. What to look out for when visiting a hotel
- how much time the dog spends outside and whether it has access to an outdoor run
- how many dogs are cared for by one person at a time
- how feeding works and whether you can leave your own food
- whether dogs sleep separately or in a group
- whether you can stay in contact with the caregiver during the dog's stay
A good hotel lets you tour the facility beforehand and leave your dog for a short trial stay before the real trip. Who is it for? For dogs open to new surroundings, who cope well with other dogs being present and don't show an anxious approach to separation from their owner.
How to prepare your dog for the separation?
Whichever form of care you choose, it's worth taking care of a few things before you leave: an introductory visit — if the dog is going to a caregiver or hotel, arrange a short meeting beforehand. The dog gets used to the place and the person before being left alone there.
- Keep the routinegive the caregiver precise information about feeding times, walks and the dog's habits. The more the everyday routine is kept, the less stress for the dog.
- Leave a familiar scenta blanket or pillow with your scent has a calming effect, especially for more sensitive dogs.
- Don't drag out the goodbyea long, emotional farewell transfers your anxiety to the dog. A short, calm goodbye is healthier for both of you.
- Pass on the vet's contact detailsjust in case, so the caregiver knows where to go in an emergency.
How can you tell your dog handles separation well?
It's worth knowing that dogs react differently to their owner's absence. Signs that a dog is coping well: it eats normally and with appetite, readily makes contact with the caregiver, sleeps and rests calmly, plays and is active during walks.
Signs that something is wrong: refusing food for more than 24 hours, constant howling or barking, destructive behaviour, apathy and lack of interest in its surroundings.
If a dog regularly struggles with separation, it's worth consulting a behaviourist before the next trip and gradually getting it used to shorter absences.
FAQ — where to leave your dog while you travel
Is it better to leave the dog with family or with a caregiver?
It depends on the dog and how well it knows the person. Family or friends are a good option if the dog feels comfortable with them and they have experience with dogs. A verified caregiver from a platform, however, offers greater certainty — they've been through verification, know how to respond to a dog's needs, and send regular reports.
How long can a dog be left alone between a caregiver's visits?
An adult dog can be left alone for a maximum of 6–8 hours, though for most dogs even 4 hours is already a lot. For trips lasting several days, home visits only work well if the caregiver comes at least 3 times a day — morning, midday and evening.
How do you get a dog used to a caregiver before you leave?
It's best to arrange an introductory meeting — the caregiver comes to your home, or you and your dog visit theirs. The dog has time to sniff the new person and get used to their scent in safe conditions. It's also worth leaving the dog with the caregiver for a few trial hours before the actual trip.
Can a dog travel by car to the caregiver?
Most dogs handle a short car trip well. If your dog gets stressed by car rides, it's worth practising short drives beforehand and not feeding the dog right before travelling. For very large dogs or those with a strong transport phobia, visits from a caregiver at your dog's own home are a better choice.
Stress is a natural part of a dog's life — but a wisely planned trip means the separation goes smoothly for both of you. What matters most is knowing your dog and choosing care matched to its needs, not to your own convenience.
